According to information given by James Bond expert, Lee Pfeiffer, this TV showing was then lost for decades, until it was finally found in the early 1980’s and then put on VHS releases. Hopes for future Bond novels to be adapted for television and Fleming getting the screenwriting role were not to be. The TV showing was made when Ian Fleming sold the rights of his first novel for $1000. Pardon me for interrupting your game, I only wished to pass on the warning. “…but the fact is still indisputable, if you win, she will lose her life.

Act III: Hotel Room finale Opening - Ending.

Act II: Opening of Baccarat Scene - Hotel Room finale Opening.

Act I: Opening - Opening of Baccarat scene.

The hour long showing itself is split into three acts: In the novel, Bond and Vesper have had no previous relationship.

Notable changes include Vesper Lynd becoming Valerie Mathis, and in the showing it is clear that Valerie and Bond once knew each other and may still have feelings for each other. The host of the show, as this was apart of CBS’s CLIMAX! Mystery Theater, was William Lundigan. Felix Leiter is named Clarence Leiter here, and is played by Michael Pate.

Barry Nelson stars as James Bond, with Linda Christian as Valerie Mathis and Peter Lorre playing the part of Le Chiffre. The show itself is based in the casino for the full hour, with minor scenes outside of it, and the cast is limited.

There isn’t the typical “Bond, James Bond” phrase, nor are there shaken, not stirred Vodka Martinis, but there is a fairly well done adaptation from Ian Fleming’s first novel, Casino Royale. It is most definitely not the average Bond film, with the character of James Bond being an American, and often referred to as ‘Card Sense’ Jimmy Bond.

Casino royale 1954 cast